an honest question about H150 vs. lester

[eljay]

hello. my first H, a 530, is in the works (antique natural with matching pg).

 

since we all know that one H leads to another (right?), i'm giving thought to which model to get serious about.

 

attracted to H150.

 

however, i have a gib R8 that is just about as wonderful an axe as i can imagine; on that basis, kinda don't see the point of getting an h150.

 

if i had a run-of-the-mill les paul, don't think there would be much doubt seeking a 150. but, gibson custom shop is another league.

 

your views and flame attacks most welcome! thank you, eljay

[barrymclark]

Heritage (virtually any model and certainly any currently offered) = Gibson Custom Shop.

 

That is my experience as a former guitar salesman for Gibson dealers.

[fxdx99]

Fair observation. I've an LP that's a fine guitar, too. Didn't 'need' another of the same model, but bought a 150 anyway (the finish just got to me, couldn't pass it up). Now I've 2 fine LP-style guitars (along with 2 semis, hollow, other F-style). If you have a hollow and a solid already, maybe look to a different model before doubling up? A good semi (535/555) should be in everyone's toolbox...

[eljay]

Heritage (virtually any model and certainly any currently offered) = Gibson Custom Shop.

 

That is my experience as a former guitar salesman for Gibson dealers.

 

thank you, sir! since my es-335 is satin finish cheapie from MF, maybe i'll focus on a 535.

 

eljay

[tulk1]

No doubt, fair question. And Randy gave you a very good reply. Just chiming in while I'm waiting on the bossman. Check out the Prospect (one of my favs). It's a slightly smaller body than the 535. Floating center block, but you can get it non-floating. Gives you all the semi-goodness of the 535 is a smaller, lighter body.

 

Then there's the Millies to look at, too. .........

[GuitArtMan]

My experience shows has been that with the semi-hollows and full hollows, I prefer Heritage. But for the solid bodies, the ones that make it out to the west coast have been boat anchors. I'm definitely of the "lighter is better" camp and this has steered me away from Heritage solid bodies. As always, your mileage may vary.

[Gitfiddler]

Many of us Heritage owners have Gibsons that remain in the stable. My Lesters hang out with my 150 and 157. They generally place nice together, but sometimes bump headstocks.

 

If you dig your R8, there's nothing wrong with lusting after a 150 or any other Heritage model. The entry fee for any of the custom shop Heritage guitars make it almost an irresistable temptation.

[Thundersteel]

If you're happy with your R8, then that's fine. I've got an '89 LP that will be with me until I can't play anymore.

 

Maybe you should seek out an H150 with Lollar P90s.

[barrymclark]

If you're happy with your R8, then that's fine. I've got an '89 LP that will be with me until I can't play anymore.

+1

[67mike]

I always wanted a Les Paul.

 

I tried out several, and also the Epiphone Elitists as well.

 

I was going to buy a few of them, but never did.

 

I saw my Heritage H150 in a music store, played it breifly, and loved it. Researched Heritage a bit more.......decided that I simply cannot afford the $4000PLUS for a Gibson Custom Shop.....so here is my chance to own the exact same quality guitar at a fraction of that price........

 

 

BEST MUSIC GEAR PURCHASE I EVER MADE.

 

I cannot get over how much I LOVE my Heritage.

 

Thanks for building such great guitars!

[tbonesullivan]

If you love your R8, no reason to get rid of it or get an H150 just like it. If you didn't already have the R8 though, I'd say save your cash.

 

That said, I have nothing against Gibson. I own two Gibsons. I however wanted a nice heavy LP style guitar, and Heritage was just the better choice for me.

[smurph1]

I always wanted a Les Paul.

 

I tried out several, and also the Epiphone Elitists as well.

 

I was going to buy a few of them, but never did.

 

I saw my Heritage H150 in a music store, played it breifly, and loved it. Researched Heritage a bit more.......decided that I simply cannot afford the $4000PLUS for a Gibson Custom Shop.....so here is my chance to own the exact same quality guitar at a fraction of that price........

 

 

BEST MUSIC GEAR PURCHASE I EVER MADE.

 

I cannot get over how much I LOVE my Heritage.

 

Thanks for building such great guitars!

I have heard this same story over and over again in regards to Heritage guitars..I NEVER get tired of hearing it..Heritage Rocks!!

[barrymclark]

That said, I have nothing against Gibson. I own two Gibsons. I however wanted a nice heavy LP style guitar, and Heritage was just the better choice for me.

I have an acoustic. The only other Gibson I want (and only because Heritage doesn't really have an equivalent) is an SG. I love those things when they have P90's in it.

[Kuz]

Two things to clear up.

 

1. If you order a Heritage, you can request a weight limit. I have done this on two 150s. FOR ME, a 150 or LP needs to be between 8.5 to 9.25 lbs for a nice full tone. I don't need a 150 to sound like a Tele. Alex Sckolnick is requesting HEAVY 150s (10-11lbs) for max tone. But you can order a Heritage with a weight limit.

 

2. I have owned 4 LPs from the early 90s and there is NO COMPARISON between my FOUR 150s and those LPs.

 

-I have recently played some Gibson Custom Shop LPs and while a couple might have been close to my 150s, I have yet to play any Gibson LP that is better than my Heritage 150s

 

The Heritage Guitars have vintage tones right out of the box. Call it Mojo. Call it Handmade. I call it PERFECT.

[JeffB]

I bought my H150 after a couple of months of looking for a LP type guitar. I love it. Havnt found a G Brand that has the same vibe, mojo, whatever or that has made me doubt my purchase. I work around guitars all day.

But, I wouldnt take my word or anyone elses. I would just go out and play as many guitars as possible till I found the right one regardless of brand. Thats what I did and I ended up with a Heritage even though I was looking for a gibson.

[FredZepp]

You bring up many good points Kuz !!!

 

 

I think of it this way.. I have two 150's and a 157...

 

But the neck profile, pickups, and finish are different on all of mine , so they play and sound different from each other.

 

I would find it difficult to give any of them up...

 

It is amazing to be able to still get a handmade guitar from the Parsons St. plant , the Real Deal from Kalamazoo....

They are still making them there like the originals....

 

[rjsanders]

if you like the LP format & don't have one w/P90s, i'd recommend that. i've got gibbies & Hs. my H-157 goldtop with Lollars is a great guitar, same with the H-137 (more LP Jr.-type) and better (to my taste) than any similar gibs i've tried. my '98 R7 required extensive upgrading (nut, pickups, wiring & electronics, bridge, tailpiece, studs) to bring out its best. but it's a tubby (just under 10lbs). my '10 R5-that-never-was is perfect for me as is, but cost twice as much as my H-157...

[pro-fusion]

No question that the Gibson Custom Shop is capable of making a very nice guitar. However, the ones I've played (used ones), a '61 SG/Les Paul Standard reissue and an R9, didn't blow me away. They were nice, but not $4,000+ nice. Not every Heritage I've played was a winner, but most have been. I'd rate them as roughly equal to the Gibby custom shop based on my experience.

 

Whenever I see Gibby fanboys talking online about their reissue LPs, the talk always seems to focus more on the top, the finish or the period-correct hardware than it does on the tone and playability. That's not to say that the custom shops LPs play or sound bad, but that the target audience is heavily skewed towards the "hang it on the wall" types. Too much hype, in my opinion. A Heritage is made for the guy who plays it regularly. My 157 has plenty of pick scratches and play wear, even though it's only a couple years old. That's because it's one of my "go to" guitars. It's not wall art.

[smurph1]

No question that the Gibson Custom Shop is capable of making a very nice guitar. However, the ones I've played (used ones), a '61 SG/Les Paul Standard reissue and an R9, didn't blow me away. They were nice, but not $4,000+ nice. Not every Heritage I've played was a winner, but most have been. I'd rate them as roughly equal to the Gibby custom shop based on my experience.

 

Whenever I see Gibby fanboys talking online about their reissue LPs, the talk always seems to focus more on the top, the finish or the period-correct hardware than it does on the tone and playability. That's not to say that the custom shops LPs play or sound bad, but that the target audience is heavily skewed towards the "hang it on the wall" types. Too much hype, in my opinion. A Heritage is made for the guy who plays it regularly. My 157 has plenty of pick scratches and play wear, even though it's only a couple years old. That's because it's one of my "go to" guitars. It's not wall art.

Yep..I totally agree..My H140 is a tone Monster!!..It's my go to guitar in the band..It's 25 years old and sounds like a million bucks!!

[yoslate]

They were nice, but not $4,000+ nice. Not every Heritage I've played was a winner, but most have been. I'd rate them as roughly equal to the Gibby custom shop based on my experience.

 

Whenever I see Gibby fanboys talking online about their reissue LPs, the talk always seems to focus more on the top, the finish or the period-correct hardware than it does on the tone and playability. That's not to say that the custom shops LPs play or sound bad, but that the target audience is heavily skewed towards the "hang it on the wall" types. Too much hype, in my opinion. A Heritage is made for the guy who plays it regularly. My 157 has plenty of pick scratches and play wear, even though it's only a couple years old. That's because it's one of my "go to" guitars. It's not wall art.

 

+1 Chris!

 

I know a guy who has 86 (that's right, e-i-g-h-t-y-s-i-x) Historic Les Pauls. I've played a number of them.

 

I have 2 (t-w-o) Heritage 150's, a Twentieth Anniversary (The Grail, courtesy pro-fusion), and a custom stoptail.

 

I'd call it a dead heat! I've yet to play one of the Historics which is demonstrably better than either of the 150's, or, for that matter, as nice as the Twentieth, either in playability, tone, or cosmetics. But then, I am biased....

[barrymclark]

I will back Smurph's assertion that the 140 is a tone monster.

 

Mine is 19 years old, bone stock.

[CJTopes]

If you have an R8 that you love, keep it. No need to replace it. If you're looking for another LP style then yeah get a 150 or a 157. Maybe get a150 with different PU and electronics. Maybe try a 535/555

I had a Gibby LP Studio Custom and I bought a H150 as a back up. To make a short story out of it I no longer own the Gibby and now have my 150 and a Millie DC.

Of all the LPs I've played my H-150 has the best feel to it and was as good as or better quality than the Gibbys.

[barrymclark]

I agree. If it is good and you like it, no need to replace it. A good guitar is a good guitar.

[barrymclark]

Double post!

[Ray]

No question that the Gibson Custom Shop is capable of making a very nice guitar. However, the ones I've played (used ones), a '61 SG/Les Paul Standard reissue and an R9, didn't blow me away. They were nice, but not $4,000+ nice. Not every Heritage I've played was a winner, but most have been. I'd rate them as roughly equal to the Gibby custom shop based on my experience.

 

Whenever I see Gibby fanboys talking online about their reissue LPs, the talk always seems to focus more on the top, the finish or the period-correct hardware than it does on the tone and playability. That's not to say that the custom shops LPs play or sound bad, but that the target audience is heavily skewed towards the "hang it on the wall" types. Too much hype, in my opinion. A Heritage is made for the guy who plays it regularly. My 157 has plenty of pick scratches and play wear, even though it's only a couple years old. That's because it's one of my "go to" guitars. It's not wall art.

 

 

Totally agree that discussions between Gibson owners/fans largely revolve around the look of the guitar etc. I own Gibson guitars and they are OK, but as far as I am concerned there is now no need for me to buy Gibson when I can get perfectly built (to the highest standard), brilliant sounding and fantastic looking Heritage guitars at way below Gibson prices. Currently in the process of adding 3 Heritage guitars to my collection. I will only consider buying Gibson if I come across a gem at a low price – not sure if this will happen soon because I have not come across a decent sounding LP or ES models (my preference) at guitar shops in the last year or so.